Published: April 30, 2007 12:08 pm         

Letters to the Editor

A big thank you is due
Dear Editor,

Well, I think we have waited long enough to say a big thank you to all of our men and young boys who have done an outstanding job fighting our fires.

They have done one right after another and you know they are worn out from the heat and hard work they have done putting out these fires. But you see one of them and you say, “How are you?” and they come back with a big smile and say doing great. Never a gripe about how hard it is or all time of night and day they are called to go put out another fire.

So I think we need to take our hats off to all of you and say God bless you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Grace Valley
Mineral Wells

ARM extends thanks
Dear Editor,

We know much has been written about Addiction Recovery Ministry in the pages of the Index lately and for that we thank you. Already new contributions are helping support us because of your article on our new facilities.

We not only wanted to thank you publicly and your reporter, Lacie Morrison, but others who made that day memorable. The wonderful plant from Cole’s Flowers will brighten the surrounding area for months to come. The balloons from Party Palace still grace our meeting area. The Church of God provided the funds for us to record for those who did not attend, what will be an informational DVD.

Of course, none of this would be possible without our wonderful support staff. They give of themselves unselfishly every day without financial consideration. Gail Howard, our office manager, has been with us from the beginning. She’s the practical one who keeps Linda and I steady so we keep at least one foot on the ground while the other foot is leaping forward – nice balance. Linda Ross is our Benevolence Coordinator for our G.R.A.C.E. program. She has taken a big load off Gail.

Of course, our gifted counselors are such a great addition to our program. Denise Alessandri is our grief counselor and staff worker. Rob Gates has added a much-needed dimension in conducting anger management classes. Also from the beginning we have had Tom Lucas from MHMR to guide us in areas of legal, financial aid and counseling from a wealth of experience and training.

The entire Mineral Wells Community ought to stand and give a big round of applause to those who have made ARM the success that it has become; from the pastors with the first challenge to United Way, financial supporters, those who worked on our office, our board of directors and those who found their way out of their own private hell. Linda and I salute you and thank you.

Ted Oliver, director
Addition Recovery Ministry

Support for Harvey
Dear Editor,

Recently, I discovered through rumors that Sean Harvey had been relieved of his duties of athletic director. I do not know the whole story, only rumors. I feel as a parent and former co-worker of Sean Harvey’s that someone needs to step up to the plate.

If anyone has ever worked with Sean or been acquainted with him they should know that he puts 110 percent in his job and goes beyond his job description.

As a colleague of Sean Harvey I feel it is necessary to express my opinion from experience and a concerned parent. No one can judge a person just by the salary in which he makes. They need to walk in his shoes. Sean has given 110 percent of himself to everyone. He takes “all” students and treats them as his own. He was a challenging teacher, and a great coach for many years.

As athletic director, I have seen him doing jobs that everyone else turns down. He is a teacher at Travis where he teaches P.E. When we did not have a tennis coach, he stepped in to fill the position and he asked me to assist. He took those students to district – and won. The tennis team loved him. He was actually made fun of while coaching and playing tennis, but he informed the football coaches it was really a tough sport even though it didn’t look it. He was injured playing tennis with the boys.

In addition I have seen him on the track field mowing, cleaning and working from sun up to sun down.

As a parent my three children all had Sean as a teacher and coach. He treated them with respect and as if they were they were own child.

I feel if the board, or whoever, is looking at salaries not to renew his contract they will never have an athletic director who is as dedicated as Sean. Sean earns whatever he receives. He is a man of honor and trust. He does the work of two to three people a day and he can justify his work. Over the years that I have known him, Sean has worked for students and parents. His students always come first.

I hope that the people who made this decision can understand that they will be losing a dedicated athletic director and a great asset to our school district.

Concerned parent.

Brenda Smith
Mineral Wells
Editor’s note: As of a recent conversation with Harvey, he is currently the athletic director and is carrying out those duties.